It’s
one thing to gaze at a forest of Ponderosas through the glass panes of
a tour bus, and an en- tirely different thing when you get to smell and
touch them. Wanderlust Tours, based in Bend, affords guests a first-hand
greeting with nature with their half-day or full-day excursions that cover
everything from hikes, cave tours and snowshoeing. Whether you enjoy dipping
your hand into mountain spring water on a guided canoe trip or the chill
of snowflakes as they kiss your nose, the tour company provides an encounter
with the natural world for all generations—not just for the young and
daring.

Initiated in 1993,
Wanderlust Tours is owned by David and Aleta Nissen, who met as tour directors
in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. As a guide for a large tour company,
David remembers enjoying taking people through the western part of North
America, but passengers only got to see some of the region’s stunning
sites by bus. “The guests never got out and felt, smelled or listened
to the natural world through which they were passing,” he recalled. This
experience ultimately acted as the impetus to start Wanderlust, and Bend,
with its large demographic of nature-goers, was the perfect location.

Since its inception,
Wanderlust has grown leaps and bounds. Aleta, now working as the PR and
marketing person and featured on the cover of Cascade Discovery, and Dave,
the self-described Jack of All Trades, have ten employees working for
them. Even though a small company, Wanderlust has gained noteworthy recognition
for their work. In 2000, the tour company received the Governor’s Tourism
Award from Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber in recognition of their leadership,
cooperation and support for building sustainable tourism in Oregon.

The Nissens give
credit for this award to their strong commitment in familiarizing people
with the landscape and the story it has to share. But if you think exploring
the outdoors is only for the brave of heart, then you are misguided. “Our
tours bridge generations. They are for everyone,” said Dave. “We have
more seniors than you would imagine on snowshoes.”

If you want to go
cave spelunking in some of the high desert’s marvelous volcanic creations
or explore Central Oregon’s waters and eat grilled salmon, then you might
want to pay Wanderlust Tours a visit. Dave recalls having 70-year-olds
build a snow cave and sleep in it overnight, a daring feat that may not
be for everyone. But, volcano tours feature easy walks and are a great
way to learn about Central Oregon’s natural surroundings from Wanderlust’s
knowledgeable guides. The tour company has even seen a 65-year-old celebrate
his birthday bash on Central Oregon waters last summer during a canoe
trip.

Their winter recreation
options are manifold, and include moonlight snowshoe trips and bonfires
in the snow. Lately, Wanderlust has conjured up more ways for residents
to indulge in the outdoors. “We’re a small company. I think the element
of smallness enables us to think outside of the box,” said Dave. The Nissens
typically sit down with General Manager Steve Liebig and toss around ideas.
Their latest brainchild combines pure fun with a bit of genius. Outdoor
lovers can now participate in a re-spun scavenger hunt that teaches you
how to use a GPS system. “This is something eight-year-olds to 78-year-olds
can take part in,” said Dave.

Not only do you learn
about Central Oregon’s terrain and native species during a Wanderlust
tour, but you also learn to appreciate the opportunity to explore the
outdoors. Some, who may be limited by lack of equipment or experience,
can still soak in the high desert’s boundless beauty. “Our hope is to
bring the outdoor world alive for people, and that means for every generation,”
concluded Dave.

To
Subscribe to Cascade Discovery please send your request
to:

Cascade
Discovery

404
NE Norton Ave.

Bend,
OR 97701

541/388-5665

Subscription
cost: 1 year (6 issues) Local area/$12  Out of area/$15.

Contact
our office if you would like to combine your subscription with any
of our other great publications